The Dolphins will be without their closer this weekend. Miami QB Ryan Fitzpatrick tested positive for COVID-19 and is out for Sunday’s game against the Bills, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report.
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Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick out vs. Bills after testing positive for COVID-19
Published: Dec 31, 2020 at 01:24 PM
Kevin Patra
The Miami Dolphins won't have their relief QB as they fight for a playoff berth
Sunday versus the Buffalo Bills.
Miami quarterback
Ryan Fitzpatrick tested positive for COVID-19 and is out for Sunday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. The team later announced the veteran QB has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
His positive test means there will be no FitzMagic in a pivotal Week 17 game.
The NFL conducted contact tracing following Fitzpatrick's positive test, and no other players were identified as high-risk close contacts, including starter
Tua Tagovailoa, Pelissero reported.
Coach Brian Flores
benched Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter last week, inserting Fitzpatrick, who jumpstarted a sullen offense, leading to a dramatic
comeback win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The FitzMagic-led victory put the Dolphins in a position for a
win-and-in season finale.
"It hurts," Dolphins safety
Eric Rowe said,
per ESPN.com, of Fitzpatrick's positive test. "He's a leader on our team. He brings energy. I'm sure it's worse for him because he loves the game and no one wants to catch COVID. With that, you have to push forward."
Despite benching Tua twice this year, Flores kept the rookie as the starter entering this week. The thought process followed that at least the Dolphins could insert Fitzpatrick once again if Tagovailoa struggles against Buffalo.